Category: SPORTS

Behind every student athlete, there are parents that are trying their best to support their child’s dream. This is true for a badminton player, Rezwan S. Ponteno, who transferred schools in South Cotabato because his parents could no longer find a job here in General Santos City. Even though Rezwan has the talent and passion for badminton, he is also a player that stands out here in GenSan, but financial burden forced his family to move to another city.

We believe that transferring to another hometown just because of financial struggles is not the best solution. A student athlete should not give up a supportive environment because the budget becomes terrible. Instead, parents, coaches, school and community should work on this to find ways to help. Talent like Rezwan deserves to stay in the place where he can fully improve and develop his skills and financial problems should not be the solution that pushes him to move away.

Many local groups and schools like National Academy of Sports (NAS) offer full scholarships for talented secondary student-athletes. It is an attached institution of the Department of Education, created by Republic Act No. 11470, and operates in close coordination with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). Other athletes in similar situations have benefited from these options and continued to improve and train without sacrificing to leave the environment they love. This shows that these groups exist, transferring is not the first option, it should be the last.

In conclusion, when financial issues force student athletes to move, we lose potential and the support systems that help them improve. Schools and communities should pay attention to this and provide better solutions to this issue so athletes don’t have to move away because of budget struggles. The goal is to truly support sports development and we need Findnancial DireAction, we need to find real action in this terrible situation.

In the quiet dawns of South Cotabato’s training courts, a young athlete discovered that greatness often begins in silence. Before crowds knew his skill, he was a boy in General Santos City battling financial hardships and limited opportunities—struggles that made his love for badminton feel both precious and painfully out of reach.

Life in GenSan rarely favored athletes without resources. He often watched competitions pass him by, weighed down not by lack of talent but by the reality that passion alone couldn’t buy equipment, training, or entry fees. Yet the challenges only fueled his determination to find a place where his dream could grow.

That turning point came when he moved to South Cotabato, where hope finally met opportunity. Here, Rezwan S. Ponteno found a community that believed in him, giving him the support he never had. Through four years of relentless practice, he transformed raw potential into real skill, proving that perseverance could rewrite the future he once feared losing.

His rise wasn’t solitary. Standing beside him was his best friend and doubles partner, RC R. Miole, whose presence strengthened both his game and his resolve. Together, they dominated local tournaments and battled fiercely in the SRAA, testing not only their athletic ability but the depth of their trust. “Sad kay siya man akong sabay magdula,” Rezwan confessed, revealing the emotional weight of competing alongside someone he deeply valued.

In the end, the sacrifices, doubts, and early-morning trainings paid off as Rezwan claimed victory in the SRAA—a triumph not only of talent but of heart. His journey proves that even in the face of financial struggle and personal challenges, a determined athlete can rise, inspire, and remind others that no dream is too distant when chased with unwavering resolve.

South Cotabato stuns GenSan in double elimination round; moves to final rematch for SRAA 2025

South Cotabato’s bet, Rezwan S. Ponteno, a former star athlete in General Santos City who represents the SRAA 2024 conquered RC R. Miole from GenSan’s player via feint shots, smashes and drops in SRAA 2025 Championship first match double elimination, claiming 2-1 victory (18-21, 21-17, 21-14) held at General Santos City National Secondary School of Arts and Trades (GSCNSSAT) PTA Dome, earlier.

South Cotabato’s athlete, Ponteno, finished with 28 total kills — 13 smashes, eight feint shots, four dives and three drops, giving him an opportunity to fight in the SRAA 2025.

After this game, both teams will enter a twice to beat match, moving to the final round to show who will triumph in the SRAA 2025 Championship Game.

“Sad kay siya man akong kasabay magdula,” Ponteno expressed. “Gibutang nako sa isip nako na kung madaog or mapildi man ko, dula-dula ra gyud ni.”

Ponteno lifts the momentum using strong forehand smashes to catch up with Miole and snatch a 9-8 advantage in the second set.

Miole took the lead in the first set through his defense, allowing him to finish with a 21–18 score, his strong focus and steady control helped him keep the advantage until the end of the first set.

“Naa siyay pressure kay among home city ang akong gina-represent,” Miole stated. “Happy kay nakita nako akong dati na kasabay nga nadaog siya karon.”

Moreover, Ponteno did not give up, as he fought back, he showered a barrage of smashes that resulted to secure him in the match point, 21-16.

Meanwhile, Miole regained the momentum, he generated a forehand smash and showed a strong defense in the third set. 

After the battle between the two players, they shared a close bond, as they were friends and former teammates back when Ponteno was still part of the GenSan team.